Bagdogra-Delhi flight makes emergency landing in Lucknow after mid-air smoke alert

A Delhi‑bound Air India Express flight IX1523 from Bagdogra, West Bengal made a precautionary emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow , on Monday evening after the crew detected smoke in the avionics bay . The Airbus A320 was carrying 148 people , including six crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated .

An airline source clarified, “It was a PAN‑PAN call , not a Mayday. The crew declared urgency and sought a priority landing .” The aircraft landed at around 5.18 pm , with Air Traffic Control coordinating the diversion under international safety protocols.

Passengers recalled the tense moments onboard. One said, “We noticed a smoke smell in the cabin , and the crew asked everyone to stay calm. Oxygen masks were briefly deployed, but no one was hurt.” Emergency services were on standby as a full-scale emergency response was activated at the airport.

Following the landing, the aircraft was declared “Aircraft on Ground (AOG)” , meaning it will remain grounded until a detailed inspection and repair are completed. Air India Express spokesperson stated, “Prioritising safety, the crew elected to divert to Lucknow and carried out a priority landing following a smoke alert. The aircraft landed safely, and all guests were provided refreshments on arrival. They were subsequently re-accommodated on alternative flights to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience.”

Some passengers were offered full refunds , while others received hotel accommodation and rebooking on later flights. The aircraft remains parked at Lucknow airport pending further checks.